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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2021-08-31 - City Commission Special Meeting MinutesCity of Tamarac Special City Commission Meeting - Minutes Tuesday, Aug. 31, 2021 CALL TO ORDER: Mayor Gomez called the Tuesday, Aug. 31, 2021, Special City Commission Meeting, being held in Commission Chamber to order at 5 p.m. ROLL CALL: Commissioner Marlon Bolton, Commissioner Mike Gelin, Vice Mayor Elvin Villalobos, Commission Debra Placko and Mayor Michelle J. Gomez were present. Also present were Acting City Manager Kathleen Gunn, City Attorney John R. Herin, Jr., and City Clerk Jennifer Johnson. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Mayor Gomez led the Pledge of Allegiance. City Attorney, John Herin, reviewed the rules and procedures expected throughout the meeting. 1. Status of the City Manager City Attorney, John Herin, provided information regarding the status of Michael Cernech's arrest, and possible outcomes in accordance with Section V of the City's Charter. Vice Mayor Villalobos motioned to suspend Michael C. Cernech without pay. Mayor Gomez passed the gavel to Vice Mayor Villalobos and seconded. Vice Mayor Villalobos opened for public comment. a. Josephine Orosco, of 4930 E. Sabal Palm Blvd., Tamarac, stated the residents of Tamarac deserve and expect more from elected and appointed officials. She asked, what the next steps are to put in place to hold individuals accountable? b. Carol Mendelson, of 8021 NW 72nd Street, stated she had never been involved in politics before now, and she is embarrassed by the recent actions of this board. She asked that the members to be a part of the solution rather than the problem. c. Ron Wasserman, of 8577 Jade Drive, Tamarac, asked what has happened to us and for an audit of all the big projects. d. Darcy Schiller, of Granville, Kings Point, Tamarac, stated she has been reading Commissioner Bolton's posts and made comments directed to him. Vice Mayor Villalobos closed public comment. Discussion by the Commission ensued. Commissioner Gelin provided a presentation, which is on file in the City Clerk's Office. City Attorney Herin reviewed the difference of begin terminated with cause, and without cause, and provided what the total lump sum pay out would be if he is to be terminated without cause. City Clerk Johnson conducted a roll call vote, and the motion to suspend without pay failed 4-1. Commissioner Bolton, Commissioner Gelin, Commissioner Placko and Vice Mayor Villalobos voted no. Mayor Gomez voted yes. Commissioner Gelin motioned to terminate with cause. Commissioner Bolton seconded. Discussion by the Commission ensued. City Clerk Johnson conducted a roll call vote and motion to terminate with cause carried 4-1. Commissioner Bolton, Commissioner Gelin, Commissioner Placko and Vice Mayor Villalobos Page 1 of 3 Special Meeting Aug. 31, 2021 voted yes. Mayor Gomez voted no. 2. Appointment of Kathleen Gunn as Interim City Manager Mayor Gomez asked the City Attorney to introduce the item. City Attorney, John Herin, reviewed the language in Section V of the City's Charter, and stated prior to the arrest, Mr. Cernech appointed Kathleen Gunn as the Acting City Manager. Therefore, the matter is before you tonight to ratify that appointment. Commissioner Placko motioned to approve. Commissioner Bolton seconded. Mayor Gomez opened for public comments. a. Ron Wasserman, of 8577 Jade Drive, Tamarac, asked for consistency for the city during this time and encouraged Ms. Gunn on her appointment. Mayor Gomez closed public comments. Discussion by the Commission ensued. City Attorney Herin stated that if the Commission approved Ms. Gunn as the Interim City Manager tonight, and if she accepts, he would bring back an agreement for approval, which would be retroactive to today's date at the next City Commission meeting. City Clerk Johnson conducted a roll call vote naming Kathleen Gunn as Interim City Manager, and the motion carried 4-1. Commissioner Bolton, Commission Placko, Vice Mayor Villalobos and Mayor Gomez voted yes. Commissioner Gelin voted no. Ms. Gunn expressed her gratitude for the opportunity, and stated she would be honored to accept the position. There being nothing further to discuss, Mayor Gomez adjourned the meeting at 6:31 p.m. Minutes transcribed and submitted by City Clerk Jennifer Johnson. Pm4-,.- Ov - �=14 Michelle J. Gomez, Mayor Note to the reader: The above signature is the City Clerk, of the City of Tamarac, Florida. If the minutes you have received are not signed, or completed as indicated above, they are not the official minutes of the Tamarac City Commission Special Meeting held Tuesday, Aug. 31, 2021. Pursuant to Chapter 286.0105, Florida Statutes, if a person decides to appeal any decision made by the City Commission with respect to any matter considered at such meeting or hearing, he may need to ensure that a verbatim record of the proceedings is made which record includes the testimony and evidence upon which the appeal is based. Page 2 of 3 Special Meeting Aug. 31, 2021 The City of Tamarac complies with the provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act. If you are a disabled person requiring any accommodations or assistance, please notify the City Clerk's Office at (954) 597-3505 of such need at least 48 hours (2 days) in advance. Additionally, if you are hearing or speech impaired and need assistance, you may contact the Florida Relay Service at either of the following numbers: 1-800-955-8770 or 1-800-955-8771. Page 3 of 3 Special Meeting Aug. 31, 2021 PUBLIC PARTICIPATION SIGN-UP SHEET SPECIAL COMMISSION MEETING AUGUST 31, 2021 PLEASE PRINT FULL NAME * ADDRESS * PHONE NO. 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